You've seen it floating around on social media.
You've seen it on merch walking around campus.
You've seen it chalked on sidewalks outside classroom buildings and dining courts.
You've seen it in your friends' cliche social media bios.
FTK FTK FTK FTK FTK... But what's the big deal? What's the true meaning behind those three letters?
FTK means FOR THE KIDS. It is the common bond that dance marathons share across the country. Every bad dance move, every hour on our feet, every canning shift, every dollar is all for the kids. 100% of funds raised go to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, Purdue's being Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
Many of us know someone that is affected by Riley Hospital for Children, whether it is someone in our families, communities, or friends. I know first hand the impact Riley has made on my family with my older sister spending much time in the NICU as a baby.
Riley Hospital saved her life, and in return, I want to make more of these miracles happen for families like mine. This is why I dance.
So yes, I may say, tweet, post, or share FTK too many times, but believe me, I'm doing it with purpose: to spread awareness for the families that may not have the same outcome my family did, for the families that don't know what tomorrow brings, and for the families that celebrate the new hope that Riley Hospital for Children has given them.
I'm for the kids, are you?